NASCAR Camping World Truck Series News & RumorsFebruary 2012 Archives

Crew member suspended indefinitely by NASCAR: Keith Wolfe, a crew member [#0 crew chief JJCR truck] in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR as a result of violations discovered Feb. 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Wolfe violated sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 2-11 (failure to notify of felony and/or substance abuse related law violations); and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2012 NASCAR rule book.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications PR)(2-29-2012)

Series TV ratings increase at Daytona: After recording its most-watched season ever in 2011, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on SPEED kicked off the 2012 season in strong fashion, increasing Household ratings by 9 percent (1.63 vs. 1.49) from a year ago according to Nielsen Media Research. The Friday night race had an average viewing audience of more than 1.8 million people, with the strongest growth among Men 18-49, which enjoyed a 41-percent increase from 2011. The next NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race is scheduled for March 31 at 1 p.m. ET live from Martinsville. The popular pre-race show, NCWTS Setup with Krista Voda, begins at 12:30 p.m. ET.(SPEEDtv PR)(2-27-2012)

Buescher wins Daytona Nationwide race: James Buescher avoided "the big one" on the last lap at the season-opening NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) to capture his first career NASCAR victory. A number of late-race cautions bunched the field up for a green-white-checkered finish. Buescher had the #30 Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevrolet in the eighth spot coming to the checkered flag when a multi-car wreck broke out in front of him. He maneuvered his machine to the low side of the race track and avoided the melee to take the checkered flag and capture his first ever NASCAR victory.(Turner Motorsports PR)(2-26-2012)

Fast Facts: John King - Daytona race winner:
*Competed in NCWTS races at Kentucky Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway while continuing his Late Model career at the local level (2011)
*Made his Camping World Truck Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway where he finished a career-high 15th (2010)
*Joined the Bill Elliott Driver Development program, competing in the UARA-STARS Late Model Series (2009)
*Finished among the top-30 in the Fastrak Racing Series 'Grand Nationals' event with over 200 drivers (2007)
*Captured first career pole in Fastrack Racing event at Volunteer Speedway (2007)
*Started full-time racing driving in Late Model series, collecting several top-five finishes (2006-2007)(ToyotaRacing.com)Excerpts - NASCAR's post-race interview with John King & team owner Tom DeLoach:Q: John, what happened with getting into Sauter? Were you getting pushed?King: I don't know that I was getting pushed. All I know was closing rate was real fast, I couldn't get off of him. I'm a rookie. I've never pushed in my life. This is my first time at Daytona or any Superspeedway. I apologize to him from the bottom of my heart. It wasn't my intention at all. Without wrecking him, I was good to go. I couldn't get off of him. Once I got up to him in the tri-oval, that's all I had, so...Q: I speak for a lot of people in America, on Twitter and everywhere else, they're asking a simple question: John, who are you? In all seriousness, can you explain how this Red Horse Racing opportunity came about, how in the last couple months you've gotten to this point where here you are?King: I came off of dirt late models, went to late model stocks after that. We've run a few truck races. This is feature win number three for me my whole career. This is it. I've won one dirt late model race and one late model stock race. It's unbelievable. I couldn't imagine being here. We're here. But we got together with Tom in the off-season. I don't really know how it worked out. We just kind of ran into each other. It just evolved from there.DeLoach: Let me give you a little bit more background on that. John and his dad, this is J1, his dad is J2, John King also. What we did, they came to us, wanted to talk about, What have you got as a race team? Why should we be with Red Horse versus this team, this team, this team? Why are you the right person? We showed them what we had. We brought them in, said, This is what the race team looks like. We do a lot of work with people. Part of the time I'm going to be your dad, part of the time I'm going to be your cheerleader, part of the time I'm going to be beating you on the back. This is what it's all about. We're in there to try to mold a young driver so they can be very competitive as they go forward in their career. As I talked to John and his dad, that's kind of the way it came across. My team manager, Kevin Ray, worked very hard on making sure all this is going back and forth. We're still trying to put all the pieces together. We don't have all the sponsorship done. You notice that truck out there said Red Horse all over it. We're millimeters away from a sponsorship deal, but a millimeter away is still away. The one thing I was impressed with, Chad said it two or three times, I've never gone and sat with a driver as much as with John and all I get is, Yes, sir; no, sir; uh-huh; yes, sir; yes, sir.
Very polite, very disciplined, incredibly calm in a big race like this. Terry Cook is the spotter. Most of you guys know Terry. He's raced 400 truck races under his belt. Having Terry as a spotter fills in some of the background that John doesn't have. That's what we did is we kind of put a big warm blanket around John and tried to maximize his ability. Folks, you see what happened tonight.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications)(2-25-2012)

White adds sponsor for Daytona: This Friday marks the return of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Daytona, and Jason White will have Stock Car Steel & Aluminum and SRI as associate sponsors to his #23 Gunbroker.com Ford F-Series. Stock Car Steel & Aluminum and SRI (Supplies for Racing and Industry) are showing their appreciation of the racing industry by associating with White and the GB Racing organization. Stock Car Steel & Aluminum, Inc.(founded 1996) is a full-line steel and service center. Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, it offers an extremely large and very diverse metals and plastics product line.(StockCarSteel.com)(2-24-2012)

Contingency partners continue support of NASCAR: As teams make final preparations to start the 2012 race season, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced the lineup of 2012 NASCAR Contingency Program sponsors for all three national series. The NASCAR Contingency Program is administered by the Charlotte, N.C. - based NASCAR Automotive Group. The program strives to build strong relationships with high­ quality, performance­driven brands that are leaders in their respective categories, and award money to NASCAR teams via per­race and year-end awards. Competitors become eligible for prize money by displaying sponsor decals on the front fender of their race cars and trucks. In some instances, use of a sponsor's product is also required. "We are very pleased to have a strong lineup of NASCAR Prize Money & Decal Program sponsors in the national series this year including new special awards from our dedicated partners 3M, USG and Freescale," said Todd Armstrong, managing director, NASCAR Automotive Group. "NASCAR contingency sponsors and teams display a level of synergy and teamwork that is unparalleled in sports and continues to be one of the major reasons companies choose to partner with NASCAR."2012 Camping World Truck Series sponsor lineup and special awards:Lap Leader Award: Auto Meter Gauges -- NCWTS; Competition Cams -- NCWTSPole Award: Keystone Light - NCWTS*Crew Chief of the Race/Year: Edelbrock Intake Manifolds -- NCWTS; Featherlite -- NCWTS*Wide Open Award: Goodyear Tires -- NCWTS*Goodyear Tires Award to Series Champions: Growth Energy/American Ethanol -- NCWTS*Awarded to Series Champions: Holley Throttle Bodies/Carburetors -- NCWTS; JE Pistons -- NCWTS; K&N Filters -- NCWTS; Lincoln Electric -- NCWTS; MAHLE Clevite -- NCWTS*Engine Builder of the Race/Year Award: Mechanix Wear -- NCWTSMechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew (Quarterly/Year ­End): Mobil 1 -- NCWTS*Driver of the Race/Year: MOOG Steering & Suspension -- NCWTSProblem Solver of the Race/Year: MSD Ignition - NCWTS; Simpson Firesuits -- NCWTS; Sunoco -- NCWTS*Diamond Performance Award: to Series ChampionsNote: *Indicates Special Award sponsor with a year-end bonus.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communicaitons PR)(2-23-2012)

Burton & Hillman debut at Daytona; State Water Heaters to sponsor: Ward Burton and the #27 State Water Heaters Chevrolet Silverado Hillman Raing Team are set to make their debut at Daytona International Speedway. Trip Bruce, who led Johnny Benson to a truck series championship in 2008, will be atop the pit box calling the shots for Ward Burton as he makes his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut this weekend. Besides Ward Burton's first career NCWTS start this weekend, Daytona will mark the first race for Hillman Racing in NASCAR competition. Team owner Mike Hillman Sr. played a key role in the founding of Germain Racing and was the architect of the group's two NASCAR championships in 2006 and 2010. Hillman acquired the championship-winning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series assets following the conclusion of the 2011 season and is set to embark as the owner and general manager of Hillman Racing for the 2012 season. State Water Heaters returns as a primary sponsor in NASCAR's big three touring series with a look reminiscent of its first race in 2006. The #27 paint scheme was inspired by State's first race in the Sprint Cup Series at Talladega. [Image posted on the #27 NCWTS Paint Schemes Page.] Burton captured the 2002 Daytona 500 driving for Bill Davis Racing, and has a total of 25 career NASCAR starts at Daytona between the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. In 375 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts, Burton has posted fives wins, seven poles and 24 top-five and 82 top-10 finishes. Burton also has four NASCAR Nationwide Series victories, seven poles, 23 top-five and 50 top-10 finishes in 161 starts.(Hillman Racing PR)(2-22-2012)

Roark to drive for MB Motorsports at Daytona: UPDATE new sponsor: Until last week, 19-year-old Abingdon, Virginia, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Caleb Roark expected to make his first start of the 2012 season in the March 31 event at Martinsville Speedway. Roark will still drive the family owned Jeff Roark Motorsports entry at Martinsville, but last week he and his dad Jeff received one of those phone calls which drivers dream of receiving. Veteran NCWTS owner Mike Mittler, owner of MB Motorsports, based in Wright City, Missouri, called to say that he would like for Caleb to drive the MB Motorsports Ford entry at Daytona, and other selected events on the 2012 schedule. MB Motorsports has been part of the NCWTS since the 1995 inaugural season of the series, and has a reputation for bringing young and talented drivers into NASCAR racing.(Facebook-JRM)(2-6-2012)UPDATE: MB Motorsports has signed EF-65 as an associate sponsor for the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway. The black #63 Mittler Bros. Machine & Tool Ford F-150,driven by 19 year old Caleb Roark, will feature EF-65, an eco-safe, bio-degradable hand cleaner that is non-toxic and has no over-powering scent nor greasy residue. EF-65 is also excellent for removing stains and dirt from clothing, fabric and upholstery, as well as carpet.(MB Motorsports PR)(2-22-2012)

Ty Dillon making Daytona truck debut: Ty Dillon, the 19-year-old grandson of team owner Richard Childress, will make his first NASCAR start of the 2012 season and fourth-career NCWTS start when he takes the green flag at Daytona International Speedway this weekend. Although Dillon has yet to make any laps at the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based facility in the Truck Series, he made one start at the 2.5-mile tri-oval last year in the ARCA Racing Series earning the pole award and finishing in the 11th position. Dillon and the #3 team will sport the famous colors of Bass Pro Shops for the 2012 NCWTS season. The Lewisville, N.C., native joins older brother Austin Dillon, Jamie McMurray and Tony Stewart in the NASCAR lineup of Bass Pro Shops drivers.(Richard Childress Racing PR)(2-21-2012)

Double-duty for Buescher; new partner in truck: Turner Motorsports is pleased to announce the addition AccuDoc Solutions as a marketing partner on the #31 Chevrolet Silverado for select races during the 2012 season. AccuDoc Solutions is based in Morrisville, NC and provides billing-statement printing and processing to hospitals and hospital-based physicians. Buescher has five starts behind the wheel of a stock car at Daytona. In those four starts, the 21-year-old has accumulated one win, one pole, along with four top-10 results. Texas driver James Buescher will be busy this weekend. Not only will he compete in Friday night's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event in his #31 AccuDoc Solution Chevrolet, he will be competing in Saturday's 300-mile NASCAR Nationwide Series race driving the #30 Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevrolet Buescher will compete for the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship in addition to racing in a handful of NNS races during the 2012 campaign. [Congrats to James and Kris: James Buescher and long-time girlfriend Kris Turner spent part of the off season tying the knot. The couple was married in a private ceremony in Costa Rica on January 14th in front a number of family members and friends.](Turner Motorsports PR)(2-21-2012)

New sponsor on board with Coulter at DIS: Mama Lucia Meatballs will adorn Coulter's red and black #22 Richard Childress Racing truck as the primary sponsor for the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at DIS. Quaker Maid Meats introduced the fully cooked Italian style meatballs to the market shelves in 1979. The frozen meat manufacturer remains a family-operated business.based in Reading, Pa. The #22 Mama Lucia Meatballs Chevrolet team heads into the 2012 season virtually unchanged from 2011. Driver, crew chief Harold Holly, team engineer Matt McCall and many of the race shop and over-the-wall pit crew members have remained the same. One new face on the team is truck chief Mark Setzer who joined the Mama Lucia Meatball gang at the end of the 2011 season. In 2011, Coutler made his career-first start at Daytona, where a blown tire left the team with severe damage resulting in a 34th-place finish after starting eighth.(Richard Childress Racing PR)(2-21-2012)

Gaughan first up in RCR's #2: RCR expanded its NCWTS program to three teams over the off season. The driver's seat of the #2 South Point/Potomac Family Dining Group Chevrolet will be shared by drivers Tim George Jr., Brendan Gaughan and Kevin Harvick. This week, Brendan Gaughan wil be behind the wheel of the #2-South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway. This weekend's 250-mile event will mark the Las Vegas native's 188th career Truck Series start. In more than 12 years of competing in NASCAR's truck division, Gaughan has added eight wins, three poles, 33 top-five and 63 top-10 finishes to his racing resume. He has also led a total of 872 laps and scored his highest season point standing position of fourth in 2003. Gaughan will compete in four Sprint Cup Series, 10 Nationwide Series races and eight Camping World Truck Series races for RCR in 2012.(Richard Childress Racing PR)(2-21-2012)

Wauters Motorsports & Harraka debut at Daytona season opener: Wauters Motorsports, with veteran crew chief turned team owner Richie Wauters, head to the historic Daytona International Speedway with Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Paulie Harraka for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season opener on Friday, February 24, 2012.Paulie Harraka, a Duke University senior and former champion in NASCAR's Whelen All-American Series, will make his first start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway piloting the #5 Ford F-150 in the NEXTERA Energy Resources 250. Harraka made his first start on the 2.5-mile superspeedway in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards on February 18th (start 36 – finish 26). Harraka was running in the eighth-place position with five-laps remaining and was spun, but recovered to finish the race. Harraka competed on the road course at Daytona in go-karts, winning twice in 2004. Although this is the first race for the #5 Wauters Motorsports team, owner Richie Wauters, has a vast amount of experience at the famed Daytona International Speedway in his tenure as a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series crew chief. Wauters has six previous crew chief starts on the superspeedway with a best finish of second place in 2008 with Kyle Busch, as well as, three top-15 finishes and one start from the pole-position, Kerry Earnhardt, 2005. Harraka has been awarded the rookie of the year title in two NASCAR Series: NASCAR Whelen All American Series and NASCAR Camping World Series West (Now K&N Pro Series West) and hopes to continue the tradition with the 2012 Sonoco Rookie of the Year honors.(Wauters Motorsports PR)(2-21-2012)

Reutimann, RBR ready to roll in Daytona: After an offseason of changes, the Ricky Benton Racing Enterprises #92 BTS Tire and Wheel Distributors/ fleetHQ.com team is ready to tackle Daytona International Speedway and the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. Since last being on track in October, the team has hired David Reutimann to pilot the truck and Jason Overstreet to manage the team and make the race day calls as crew chief. The duo previously worked together at Darrell Waltrip Racing where they combined for one win, six poles, 17 top-fives and 38 top-10s from 2004-2006. RBR Enterprises is committed to running 12-13 of the NCWTS's 22 races in 2012, including the first three races at Daytona, Martinsville and Rockingham. More races could be added to the schedule if additional sponsorship can be secured.(RBR Enterprises PR)(2-21-2012)

Lofton & sponsor return to ESR: Though he maintained a busy schedule during the off season, Justin Lofton is ready for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season to begin. Lofton, who celebrated his 26th birthday February 18th, has been anxious to get back behind the wheel of his #6 College Complete Chevrolet Silverado Lofton returns to NCWTS competition for the third straight year in 2012. His return to the series is simultaneous with his return to Eddie Sharp Racing and sponsor CollegeComplete.com. In 2009 Lofton earned the ARCA Racing Series championship while driving for ESR. In July of 2011, Lofton and Sharp decided to reunite in truck competition, and after switching manufacturers to Chevrolet, the team picked up two top-10s through the end of the year. They also nabbed a season's best starting position of fifth in Kentucky, and ended the season 16th in the owner point standings, a gain of seven positions from where the team was when Lofton took over behind the wheel. When he takes the green flag this Friday for the NextEra Energy Resources 250, Lofton will be making his third career truck start at the famed 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedwa.(Lofton/ESR PR)(2-21-2012)

Davis to make Daytona debut with Arrington: Dusty Davis will make his Daytona debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this week. The 19 year old rookie driver from Las Vegas, Nevada ran a limited schedule in the NCWTS last year, this coming year Davis hopes to secure sponsorship enabling him to run a full season so he can contend for the Rookie of the Year Championship. Davis will pilot the #15 Arrington Racing/Thunder Exhaust Ram Truck at Daytona. Thunder Exhaust is an Ohio based Company. They manufacture a unique hot rod, racing style, all stainless mirrored finish exhaust tip that fit on most any car, truck, suv, hot rod, or compact vehicle. Dusty Davis has already accumulated nine years of racing experience with over 80 race wins. Off the track Davis is the National Spokesperson for the 501c Non-profit reading incentive program Driven to Read.(Arrington Racing.)(2-21-2012)

Leffler debuts with KBM at Daytona: When asked about the opportunity to drive the #18 Dollar General Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season, Jason Leffler described it as the "Chance of a Lifetime." So why is driving the Dollar General Tundra the chance of a lifetime? Every driver strives to land a competitive ride which allows him the opportunity to run up front and win races. In its first two seasons competing in the Truck Series, KBM's #18 Tundra has visited Victory Lane 16 times, led 1,895 laps and recorded 32 top-five finishes in 50 starts. When Leffler makes his debut behind the wheel of the #18 Dollar General Tundra in Friday's NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway, he's hoping to one-up his most recent finish at the famed speedway. The veteran driver came home second in last July's Nationwide Series race at the 2.5-mile tri-oval, crossing the stripe .04 seconds behind race winner Joey Logano. Leffler's Camping World Truck Series career: In 46 career starts has accumulated one win (Dover '03), 10 poles, 19 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes. In 2002, captured a NCWTS series-leading eight poles, ranked second with 494 laps led and registered 11 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes en route to a fourth-place finish in the final standings(Kyle Busch Motorsports PR)(2-21-2012)

Gale set for debut with ESR; ROTY candidate: This weekend, Cale Gale is set to make his debut in the #33 Rheem Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he will race all season for Eddie Sharp Racing. By the conclusion of Friday night, Gale is expected to have completed over 450 miles of racing around the 2.5-mile superspeedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. The NextEra Energy Resources 250 will actually be Cale Gale's second race at Daytona International Speedway this week. Gale wheeled the #6 Rheem Chevrolet in the ARCA Racing Series event on Saturday afternoon where he brought home a 13th-place finish. After spending the last six seasons racing part-time schedules at teams like Phoenix Racing and Kevin Harvick Inc., NASCAR driver Cale Gale will finally take on a full-time schedule in the NCWTS with Eddie Sharp Racing. As a result, the 26-year-old Mobile, Ala., native will finally have the opportunity to make an official run at the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title. Over a period of three seasons, Gale has made a total of 10 NCWTS starts. Cale Gale and Atlanta-based Rheem Manufacturing Company first paired up during the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Later that year, Gale turned heads as he captured the pole at Bristol Motor Speedway and went on to finish fourth at the grueling track in his #33 Rheem Chevrolet. The feat quickly caught the attention and support of Rheem executives, and the duo have worked side-by-side ever since. Gale has competed under the Rheem colors in NCWTS, ARCA, and Super Late Model series events, and will continue that relationship in 2012 at Eddie Sharp Racing.(Eddie Sharp Racing PR)(2-21-2012)

Armstrong adds new co-primary sponsor; looking toward ROTY honors: to The youngest and newest member of ThorSport Racing, Dakoda Armstrong, has his eye on just one prize. The up and comer plans to take his #98 EverFi/Drive for Savings Toyota Tundra ride straight to the Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors. Armstrong is no stranger to Rookie of the Year honors. In fact, he secured that honor in the ARCA Racing Series and definitely felt that has helped move him along in his career. "For Rookie of the Year, my biggest competition is definitely Ty Dillon," Armstrong said. "I competed against him in the ARCA Series. He's got really good equipment and he's a really good driver. We will definitely have some good racing and some good competition with him." The #98 will have a new sponsor donning the hood as a primary this year as EverFi joins ThorSport Racing. EverFi, Inc. is the leading education technology company to teach, assess, and certify students in critical skills.(ThorSport Racing PR)(2-21-2012)

Skinner joins ESR for Daytona: UPDATE 2 Picks up local sponsors: Eddie Sharp Racing has announced that 1995 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Mike Skinner will join the team for the season opening race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 24. The one-race deal will place Skinner behind the wheel of the #8 Chevrolet for the NextEra Energy Resources 250 in Daytona Beach, Fla. he former Daytona Beach resident announced that he would race for Eddie Sharp Racing (ESR) at Daytona International Speedway after landing the support of American Auto last week, and has since signed Paytas Homes to support the #8 Chevrolet. Eddie Sharp Racing and Mike Skinner are still searching for sponsorship opportunities to continue competing in the #8 Chevrolet for the remainder of the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.(Eddie Sharp Racing PR)(2-9-2012)UPDATE: Over the last week, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran Mike Skinner has landed a ride for the season-opening race and the support of two local sponsors. The former Daytona Beach resident announced that he would race for Eddie Sharp Racing at Daytona International Speedway after landing the support of American Auto last week, and has since signed Paytas Homes to support the #8 Chevrolet. Paytas Homes owner, Jim Paytas is a second-generation builder and a lifelong resident of the Daytona Beach Area. As a longtime friend of the 1995 NCWTS Champion, Paytas also backed Skinner for two races during the 2011 season.(ESR PR)(2-19-2012)UPDATE 2: More partners: American Auto was the first company to jump on board by purchasing the lower rear quarter panels, and Paytas Homes quickly followed adding their name to the upper quarter panels. Soon Halifax Health joined the NC Trooper's Association (NCTA) / NC State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) Caisson Unit to decorate the bed top with their companies' names. A listener on Sirius Speedway got a hold of Skinner shortly thereafter to add the Cricket SW3 logo to the hood of the #8 Chevrolet. With five partners on board, Skinner is set to make his return to the NCWTS at his home track and will race for the win on Friday night.(ESR PR)(2-21-2012)

Fontaine returns to Daytona with new sponsor: Chris Fontaine, the Lakeland, Florida native will be making his 32nd NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 24th driving the #84 Glenden Enterprises/Bullshades Toyota. This will be Fontaine's second NCWTS race at Daytona International Speedway. In last year's NCWT race, Fontaine started 16th and finished 19th. He was running near the front when he got caught up in a late race accident that, unfortunately, took him out of the race. Bullshades custom sunglasses will be on the truck for this race. Bullshades are UV 400 custom sunglasses with a bucking bull logo on them, and are worn by a number of professional bull riders and stock contractors. Fontaine and the Glenden Enterprises team are currently planning to run the first five NCWTS races on the 2012 schedule dependent upon Daytona results.(Chris Fontaine PR)(2-21-2012)

Sauter adds new co-primary sponsor: Johnny Sauter brings a new sponsor to the table in 2012. First-time sponsor The Peanut Roaster, parent company to Hot Honeys Honey Roasted Chipotle Peanuts, as well as other brands available on Peanut.com, joins Curb Records as a co-primary sponsor on the #13 truck. In Daytona, Sauter will pilot the "Hot Honeys" truck, showcasing the brand's most popular peanut brands - and a new "honeycomb" paint scheme.(ThorSport Racing PR) [Image of the #13 Hot Honeys/Curb Records Toyota is posted on the #13 NCWTS 2012 Paint Scheme page.](2-20-2012)

Piquet in the #30 seat for Turner; Qualcomm/Autotrac to sponsor: The #30 Qualcomm Autotrac Chevrolet Turner Motorsports team will bring chassis TMS-016 to the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. TMS-016 was used last year by Ricky Carmichael at Daytona and Talladega Superspeedway events where he finished eighth and fourth respectively. For 2012 Piquet is proud to announce support for the #30 team from Qualcomm, the global technology and communications provider and manufacturer, and Autotrac, the Brazilian market leader in solutions for monitoring and tracking vehicles. Nelson's long-standing partnerships with clothing brands Alpinestars and Bell Helmets also continue. Piquet will wear a unique helmet in Daytona designed by up-and-coming helmet painter Austin Polen. While maintaining the famous orange teardrop concept originated by his father, this version of Piquet's helmet features iconic NASCAR photography in black and white, with snapshots of the infamous fist fight between Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough and a variety of hero portraits including Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Nelson competed full-time in the 2011 NCWTS with the Kevin Harvick Inc team. His best result came at Nashville Superspeedway where he finished second, while he also racked up an additional nine top-10 finishes. He finished his rookie season 10th overall in the championship point standings. The 26-year-old is competing full-time in the 2012 NCWTS driving the No. 30 and will run a few select NNS races with Turner Motorsports.(Nelson Piquet Jr.PR)(2-20-2012)

Lots of changes for Crafton in 2012: Starting with a new look: The #88 Menards/Ideal Door truck will show up at the season-opener with a slightly different look for 2012. The long-familiar bright yellow paint scheme remains the same with continued support from longtime sponsor Menards, but for the first time, the scheme will appear on a Toyota Tundra. The team announced their manufacturer switch in December. New crew chief: Crafton and the #88 team will begin the 2012 season with a new leader on top of the pit box. Carl Joiner Jr., known his teammates as Junior, is no stranger to the team or its driver. Joiner has worked with the #88 team for the past eight years and was Crafton's crew chief when he won the Southwest Tour championship in 2000. New wife: In addition to all the changes in the shop, Crafton had a major change in his personal life as well. On January 7th, Crafton married wife Ashley in a ceremony in the Riviera Maya, just south of Cancun, Mexico, followed by a honeymoon in Herradura, Costa Rica. With the new season upon us, Matt Crafton heads to Daytona International Speedway hoping to score his first win at the Florida track. Crafton has 11 previous starts at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, with a best finish of fifth achieved in 2010.(ThorSport Racing PR)(2-20-2012)

TBC Retail Group returns as sponsor for RHR & Peters: Timothy Peters is one of 11 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers that have bragging rights as winners at the historic 2.5-mile track of Daytona International Speedway. Peters took the checked flag in 2010 after making a last-lap pass in Turn 3. Peters has completed 405 of 405 laps raced at the superspeedway and in four starts, the driver of the #17 Tire Kingdom/Service Central Toyota Tundra has finished no lower than 12th. Red Horse Racing is proud to bring back TBC Retail Group and their family of automotive retail brands to the #17 Toyota Tundra team. Peters' Toyota will carry the red, white and blue Service Central colors at Daytona with retail brand Tire Kingdom serving as primary sponsor. The TBC Retail Group family of brands is slated to serve as primary sponsorship on the #17 Toyota Tundra for additional races in the 2012 Truck Series schedule. Fans are encouraged to look for special offers on Facebook and Twitter from all the TBC Retail Group Brands which include: Service Central, Tire Kingdom, National Tire and Battery (NTB), Merchant's Tire and Auto (Merchant's) and Big O Tires.(Red Horse Racing PR)(2-20-2012)

Kvapil to drive for RAB Racing at DIS: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard has named 2003 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil as the driver of their #09 Toyota Tundra for the season-opening NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 24. Kvapil, 35, has compiled nine wins, 50 top-five and 84 top-10 finishes in 142 Camping World Truck Series starts since 2001. In six series starts at the World Center of Racing, the Janesville, Wis., native has three top-five finishes, including a pair of back-to-back, second-place finishes in 2003 and 2004.(RAB Racing PR )(2-20-2012)

Bodine heads to Daytona with Good Sam as sponsor: Two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion Todd Bodine will climb behind the wheel of the #11 Good Sam Roadside Assistance Toyota Tundra for the NextEra Energy Resources 250. The 13th running of the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway will be the eighth start at the 2.5-mile superspeedway for the veteran driver. Bodine is also a two-time winner in the Truck Series at the famed venue posting back-to-back victories in 2008 and 2009. Bodine has logged 698 out of 705 laps completed at the track. Red Horse Racing is proud to welcome the two-time champion alongside sponsor The Good Sam Club, the sister company to series sponsor Camping World. Bodine is an avid RVer who fits right in with the Good Sam brand.(Red Horse Racing PR)[Previous story on Bodine is posted on the NCWTS February Archives page.](2-20-2012)

Crum to Daytona with Bandit Industries on board; image added: The modest wood chipper company from mid-Michigan is returning to NASCAR with driver Jake Crum, opening the 2012 season in style with a new truck at the first Camping World Truck Series race of the year—the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 24. The race will mark Bandit's third consecutive year as a primary sponsor in a major NASCAR series, and it will mark Crum's third year competing in the Camping World Truck Series. Bandit Industries Inc. is a leading manufacturer of equipment for the logging, tree service, biomass,
and wood waste recycling industries. When Crum enters Daytona this year, he'll be driving an all-new truck with Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing. Crum's racing history is filled with victories and early successes. At age 15 he was the youngest driver to win an event in the UARA-Stars Late Model Touring Series. One year later he won the UARA-Stars Championship, and at age 18 he was the youngest winner ever for the Bailey's 300 Late Model Series race at Martinsville Speedway.(Jake Crum PR) [Image of the #0-BanditChippers.com Ram is posted on the #0 NCWTS 2012 Paint Schemes page.](2-17-2012)

Chastain to SS Green Light Racing; ROTY candidate: UPDATE NWA to sponsor: SS Green Light Racing is pleased to announce that 19-year old Florida late model standout Ross Chastain will join the team for 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. Chastain will pilot the team's Toyota Tundra beginning with the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at the famed Daytona International Speedway under the guidance of longtime driver, owner and crew chief Bobby Dotter. Ross began his racing career at age twelve running the Fastkids trucks in his native state and has accumulated over 50 feature wins as he advanced through the ranks to late models. The Alva, FL native was the late model champion at the prestigious World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Raceway in 2011. Ross ran five NCWTS races in 2011 finishing 10th in his first ever start at Lucas Oil Raceway and completed an impressive 98.5% of the laps in the five races with an average finish of 18.8. Returning to its familiar #08 for the 2012 season, Chastain and the team SS Green Light team are guaranteed a starting spot for the first four races of the campaign. Sponsorship for the south Florida farmer is currently being finalized with multiple agricultural based businesses and will be announced at a later date. The team is also actively pursuing additional marketing partners for select races in the 22-race NCWTS schedule. The SS Green Light team has one of the longest tenures in the NCWTS with 270 consecutive starts dating back to 2001. The team is planning to run the #07 and #08 Toyota Tundra entries utilizing horsepower from Mark Smith's Pro Motor Engines. SS Green Light Racing and Chastain plan to run the full NCWTS schedule and compete for Rookie of the Year honors.(SS Green Light Racing PR)(1-25-2012)UPDATE: The nations oldest produce trade association will join forces with one of the youngest drivers in the field on February 24th as Florida native Ross Chastain makes his first start at the World Center of Speed when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series kicks off the 2012 racing season. The National Watermelon Association will celebrate its 99th year of service adorning the hood of the SS Green Light Racing #08 Toyota.(SS Green Light Racing PR)(2-17-2012)

Congrats to Jamie & Alan Buzze: Congratulations to Jamie & Alan on the birth of their son, Tyler William Buzze, born February 3, 2012 at Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Tyler weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. and was 21 3/4 inches long. Jamie Buzze is the Manager of Operations & Communications for Stacy Compton's Turn One Racing. Alan is a mechanic for Roush Fenway Racing on Greg Biffle's Cup car.(2-16-2012)

Some images added: Added a handful of images including the #27-State Water Heaters Chevrolet being driven by Ward Burton, #2-Applebee's Chevrolet being driven by Tim George Jr., #17-Tire Kingdom Toyota being driven by Timothy Peters, #9-Anderson's Maple Syrup Chevrolet being driven by Ron Hornaday Jr., plus a few more. Check them out via the 2012 NCWTS Paint Schemes page.)(2-16-2012)

Fitzpatrick to Turn One Racing UPDATE offiicial announcement from Turn One Racing: For the past three seasons Canada's J.R. Fitzpatrick has been knocking on the door of NASCAR's top three series looking for a full-time job. Now it appears someone has opened one of those doors for the 23-year-old from Cambridge, Ont. Fitzpatrick is expected to announce this week he has a full season deal to race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the #60 for the Stacey Compton-owned Turn One Racing team. The final terms of the contract are still being locked down but a source close to the talks said Tuesday there are just some minor points to be worked out before Fitzpatrick signs on the dotted line. The proposed contract also has a provision for Fitzpatrick to run at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup race -- at Watkins Glen -- in a Chevrolet prepared by Turn One Racing. Fitzpatrick, who became the youngest ever Canadian national stock car racing champion when he won the CASCAR Super Series title in 2008 at 18, is also expected to compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this season in the #84 Fitzpatrick Motorsports Chevrolet.(TorontoSun.com)(2-14-2012)UPDATE: Turn One Racing has officially announced today that the 2006 CASCAR Super Series Champion JR Fitzpatrick has been named driver of the #60 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Fitzpatrick replaces Cole Whitt, who finished ninth in the series standings last year and has since moved on to compete full-time at JR Motorsports. The 23 year-old native of Cambridge , Ontario was the youngest driver to ever win the CASCAR Super Series Championship; an accomplishment he achieved at the age of 18 after recording one win, five podium finishes and two pole awards. Since then, the young Canadian has accumulated 14 career starts in both the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series'. His best finish overall came in the 2009 NextEra Energy Resources 250 Truck Series race at Daytona, where he finished fourth after leading 17 laps in his debut at a restrictor plate track.(Turn One Racing PR)(2-15-2012)

Congrats to Tony & Lindsay Jilson: Long Time Truck series crew member Tony "Toein" Jilson and his wife Lindsay on the birth of their baby girl, Kadynce Victoria, 6 lbs. 12 oz on February 11, 2012. Jilson was a long time crew member of Germain Racing's #30 truck and is now working for Eddie Sharp Racing's #6 Chey with driver Justin Lofton.(2-14-2012)

Coulter, Gale, Gresham & Harraka entered in ARCA event: Several drivers slated to run the full 2012 season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, will be pulling double-duty at Daytona International Speedway. Joey Coulter, Cale Gale, Max Gresham and Paulie Harraka are listed among the entries for this weekend's ARCA Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. Joey Coulter will drive the #61-Rip It Energy Fuel Chevrolet for his father's team, Coulter Motorsports. This will be Coulter's fourth ARCA Series start at Daytona. Cale Gale will be in the #6 Rheem Chevrolet for Eddie Sharp Racing. Gale has nine previous starts in the ARCA Racing Series; this will be his first attempt at Daytona. Max Gresham is in his first year with Joe Denette Motorsports will be behind the wheel of the JDM #9 Made In USA Brand Chevrolet. The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series event will be the first time Max Gresham has competed at Daytona International Speedway. Paulie Harraka a former NASCAR Drive for Diversity competitor and current student at Duke University, will run this single event with Venturini Motorsports driviing the #55 Country Music Artist Jaclyn North Toyota. The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 is scheduled to air live on SPEED at 4:30pm/et on Saturday, February 18.(2-14-2012)

Cobb plans full season run in trucks: Jennifer Jo Cobb plans to return to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series full-time in 2012 in the #10 Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing truck. She will be using both Ford and Ram engines dependent upon event. Steve Kuykendall returns as crew chief. Cobb will also run select Nationwide races in the #13 JJCR Dodge; crew chief TBA.(Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing)(2-14-2012)

T3R & Silas set for full season: Officials from T3R Motorsports announced today that the team will run the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series full-time in 2012 beginning with the season-opening NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 24, 2012. Bryan Silas, a native of Stuart Florida will be making his his third appearance at the "World Center of Racing" as the driver of the #99 Rockingham Speedway Ford F-150. The 24-year old Silas, a Rookie of the Year candidate, will be led by veteran crew chief Cal Boprey.[During an interview on SiriusXM's Sirius Speedway program,Silas stated on that he will be locked in to the field for the first four events. Points will be from one of TurnOne Racing's teams as their plan is to run only one truck this season.] (Bryan Silas PR)(2-13-2012)

Greenfield headed to Daytona: Clay Greenfield is heading to Daytona this year with hopes of really doing something special. Clay will be driving the #68 Dodge in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, February 24, 2012 which will be broadcast live on SPEED channel in the United States and overseas. The Clay Greenfield Motorsports effort is looking for sponsorship to help get to the first few races of the year and beyond. The team currently owns three trucks and will race as much as funding will allow.(Clay Greenfield Motorsports PR)(2-13-2012)

Hackett Racing signs Derek White for Daytona: Ray Hackett Racing is hoping to begin its fifth consecutive year of racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with a successful run at Daytona International Speedway. The team is pleased to announce the signing of Kahnawake, Quebec native Derek White. The NextEra Energy Rescources 250 at Daytona will mark the third straight attempt for the team with White behind the wheel of the #76 Ford F-Series truck. White will be making his first career start at the historic 2.5 mile superspeedway. Backing White's effort will be Native owned company, Warrior Gaming Associates. Ray Hackett Racing is looking forward to a full season slate in the truck series and has just finished work on a brand new shop in Salisbury, North Carolina.(Ray Hackett Racing PR)(2-12-2012)

ThorSport ready for championship run with #13, #88, #98 & partners: ThorSport Racing, the longest-tenured team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, announced today its 2012 lineup of drivers and sponsorships on their "charge towards a championship." Returning for an unprecedented 12th year is Matt Crafton, who will pilot the #88 Menards Toyota Tundra in 2012; the relationship is one of the longest-running sponsorship partnerships in NCWTS history between a sponsor and driver. Johnny Sauter, 2011 driver champion runner-up and a ThorSport Racing driver since 2009, returns to the seat for a fourth season with the #13 Hot Honeys/Curb Records Toyota Tundra. Rookie Dakoda Armstrong rounds out the stout lineup, actively racing for the Rookie of the Year title in the #98 EverFi/Drive for Savings Toyota Tundra for a full season. Crafton, after a win in Iowa in 2011, returns to the track at Daytona with a renewed focus on a championship trophy, as well as a new crew chief. Longtime friend and member of the #88 team, Carl Joiner, takes to the top of the pit box as crew chief of the #88 Ideal Door/Menards Toyota Tundra team. Sauter, after two visits to Victory Lane in 2011 and a narrow miss by six points of the championship, he's got nothing but positive vibes in his corner about the 2012 season. He returns with longtime crew chief and best friend, Joe Shear, Jr. atop the pit box. A sponsor and partner of both Johnny's and ThorSport Racing for their fourth year, Curb Records returns with the #13 for the season. Sauter also brings a partner on board with the Hot Honeys Honey Roasted Chipotle-flavored peanuts. In a partnership with The Peanut Roaster, the #13 will rotate race hoods throughout the season, focusing on a variety of peanut brands and products. Rookie Dakoda Armstrong, earning his first top 10 finish in 2011, returns to ThorSport Racing in 2012 ready to tackle the chase for a Rookie of the Year trophy. He brings with him his 2011 crew chief, Dan Stillman, and his #98 EverFi/Drive for Savings Toyota Tundra team.(ThorSport Racing PR)(2-10-2012)

Townley charged with DUI after wreck in GA: UPDATE RAB Racing statement; Townley to be replaced: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver John Wes Townley was charged with driving under the influence after crashing his 2012 BMW into a telephone pole in Georgia, the Athens Banner-Herald reported Friday. The incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning, came to the attention of the Oconee County Sheriff's Department when a 911 call reported "a suspicious man knocking on the back door of a home" at 4:30 a.m. Sheriff's deputies arrived to find a disoriented Townley "swaying from side to side and bleeding from his bare feet," the report said. Townley was arrested and charged with DUI and weaving in the roadway. The newspaper said deputies found blood on the seat of the car, which had its airbags deployed in the crash. Townley's incident could be a blow to the 22-year-old's NASCAR comeback. The son of Zaxby's co-founder Tony Townley is attempting to revive his career with RAB Racing, which formerly fielded Nationwide cars for the driver. RAB Racing declined comment when contacted by SB Nation. This isn't the first time Townley has found trouble with authorities on an alcohol-related offense. In 2010, Townley was cited for underage possession of alcohol during the Las Vegas race weekend (he was a Richard Childress Racing driver then). NASCAR had no immediate comment on Townley's incident, though it has previously allowed drivers charged with DUI to race.(SB Nation.com)(2-10-2012)UPDATE: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard announced today that as a result of his recent DUI arrest, John Wes Townley will be replaced as driver of their #09 Toyota Tundra until his return is deemed appropriate. "Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation," said Robby Benton, owner of RAB Racing with Brack Maggard. "However, we have to react to the severity of the incident accordingly. His actions do not reflect those of RAB Racing, nor the sponsors associated with the team. "John Wes has accepted full responsibility, and will take the necessary personal steps in order to correct his actions, among other internal sanctions," Benton continued. "We stand by John Wes, and will welcome him back to the team at the appropriate time."(RAB Racing PR)(2-10-2012)

Anderson's to sponsor Hornaday for five; first up, Daytona; images added: Joe Denette Motorsports (JDM) takes "sweet" to a new level with the addition of Anderson's Maple Syrup to its 2012 sponsorship line-up. The Wisconsin-based company will serve as primary sponsor of the #9 Chevrolet Silverado for five races with four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, Ron Hornaday. The 2012 campaign with Anderon's includes the season opener at Daytona International Speedway, as well as events in Dover, Chicago, Bristol and Talladega. Anderson's will also share associate sponsorship of the #24 Chevrolet Silverado of Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender, Max Gresham. Anderson's Maple Syrup, a pure, all-natural, and healthy alternative to artificial "maple-flavored" syrups, was started over 80 years ago by Paul Anderson as a hobby. Today the third generation grandson, Steve Anderson, continues the family's sugar making heritage.(Joe Denette Motorsports PR) [Renderings of the #9 Anderson's Maple Syrup Chevrolet is posted on the #9 NCWTS 2012 Paint Schemes page.](2-9-2012)

White and GunBroker.com together again in 2012: Jason White and GunBroker.com will once again partner for the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. White will pilot the #23 GunBroker.com Ford with horsepower being supplied by Roush Yates Engines. The GB Racing team will operate out of its 30,000 square foot race facility in Mooresville – formerly the home of AJ Foyt Racing. Doug George has joined the organization as Crew Chief for the #23 Ford. George is a veteran within the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with 113 career races as Crew Chief including two career victories with driver Kyle Busch. Jason White has become one of the veteran drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Series having compiled 129 career starts in the series. He competed for Joe Dennette Motorsports last season where he finished 15th in the final standings after finishing 10th in the 2010 season standings. Currently a single truck team, GB Racing is considering expanding into a multi-team operation.(GB Racing PR)(2-8-2012)

King joins Red Horse Racing; ROTY contender: Red Horse Racing added a driver to the truck lineup for the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season with rookie of the year contender John King behind the wheel of the #7 Red Horse Racing Toyota Tundra. The Fort Blackmore, Va., native made seven starts in the Truck Series, most recently in 2011 at Kentucky Speedway in October. The 23 year-old driver has a career-best finish of 15th, which he earned in his Truck Series debut in 2010 at Bristol. The young driver began his racing career in the Fastrak and StormPay.com Sanctioned Crate Late Model Series during the 2006 and 2007 season. In 2009, he was a part of the Bill Elliott Driver Development program competing in UARA-STARS Late Model Series. King is slated to appear on NASCAR Race Hub on SPEEDtv on Wednesday, February 8th. Check your local listings for exact time.(Red Horse Racing PR)(2-8-2012)

Randy Moss Motorsports shut down? When asked on Twitter if there was any word on what Randy Moss Motorsports is doing, SPEEDtv reporter, Ray Dunlap "tweeted" in response -- equipment sold, building locked, team defunct!(Twitter-@truckpits)(2-8-2012)

Flexco continues partnership with KBM: Kyle Busch Motorsports announces today that Flexco, the worldwide leader in the manufacturing of belt conveyer products, will return as a corporate partner for the 2012 season. The Illinois-based company will continue as a season-long associate sponsor on KBM's #18 Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, which will be driven primarily by veteran wheelman Jason Leffler. Flexco provides the world's belt conveyor operators with efficient, safe products, services, and solutions for belt splicing, belt cleaning, belt tracking, spillage, slippage, and bulk material transfer.(Kyle Busch Motorsports PR)(2-8-2012)

JDM secures Made In USA Brand Certification: Since its inception in 2009, the Made In USA Brand Certification Mark has gained widespread acceptance as the number of accredited companies to use the mark to identify their American made products and services has grown to more than 700. Among those recently certified to use the classic red, white and blue Made In The USA Brand Certification Mark is Joe Denette Motorsports, a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) team located in Kernersville, NC. JDM and Gresham will debut the Made In USA Brand Certification Mark in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series event at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) on Saturday, February 18. He will also pilot the #24 Made In USA Brand Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway in the NCWTS NextEra Energy Resources 250 on Friday, February 24.(Joe Denette Motorsports PR)(2-8-2012)

Sad News - Glenn Carrier: Glenn Oscar Carrier, 85, of Bristol, Tennessee, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday February 6, 2012 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. A native of Bristol, TN, he was a veteran having served in the US Navy during WWII. After his discharge from the Navy, he completed his high school education and graduated from Holston Valley High School. He worked as an electrician in the area, retiring from TVA. Glenn is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty Glover Carrier; two sons, Greg Carrier and wife Mary Carter Carrier, and Chris Carrier [NASCAR crew chief] and wife Valerie Miller Carrier both of Bristol, TN, brother, Bob "Slick" Carrier of Blountville, TN; sister, Minnie Lee Odum of Springfield, TN; three grandchildren, Jonathan Carrier and wife Krystal of Johnson City, TN; Katie Carrier Arnold and husband Josh, and Emily Carrier, both of Bristol, TN; great grandson, Carter Carrier and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm until 6:45 pm, Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 7:00pm. with and Rev. Tom Reed and Dennis Milhorn officiating. The committal service and entombment will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, February 9, 2012 in the Heritage Chapel of Memories at Glenwood Cemetery, with Military Honors provided by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting Oakley-Cook.com. (2-8-2012)

Skinner to Daytona with ESR: Former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Mike Skinner will return to the series for the first time in nearly a year, driving the #8 Chevrolet for Eddie Sharp Racing in the 2012 season opener at Daytona International Speedway.
The team is still seeking sponsorship for what is currently only a one-race deal, but Skinner said the program could easily be expanded to a full-season effort, if sufficient backing can be found.(Sirius-Speedway.com)(2-8-2012)

Veteran crew chief Wauters turns team owner with Rookie Harraka: UPDATE: Truck #5: Veteran NASCAR crew chief Richie Wauters takes the leap into NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team ownership forming Wauters Motorsports which in 2012 will be driven by Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Paulie Harraka. Wauters' career began at tracks around his hometown Green Bay, Wis. and quickly moved into the NASCAR Touring Series. Wauters crewed successful NASCAR Sprint Cup teams with drivers Kenny Wallace, Elliott Sadler, Robert Pressley and Jeff Green. Wauters, in his tenure as a crew chief in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, led teams to 18 victories from 2004-2010 with drivers Shane Hmiel, Kyle Busch and Aric Almirola. Former NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver Harraka will take the wheel of the Ford F150 Camping World truck. Most recently, Harraka posted three victories in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. Harraka, a senior at Duke University, has also scored the Championship in NASCAR's Whelen All-American Series, and posted two different NASCAR Rookie of the Year titles: NASCAR Whelen All American Series and NASCAR Camping World Series West (Now K&N Pro Series West). The Wauters Motorsports F150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series truck will be utilizing Doug Yates and Roush Racing Engines in their debut at Daytona International Speedway for the running of the NEXTERA Energy Resources 250, Friday, Feb. 24th.(Wauters Motorsports PR)(1-26-2012)UPDATE: Paul Harraka will drive the #5 Wauters Motorsports Ford F-150 in the 2012 NCWTS. Owner Richie Wauters has a long history with the number having all his race cars bearing the #5 for 25+ years.(FB-Wauters Motorsports)(2-7-2012)

Starr & Zachry team up with Arrington Racing: Zachry Holdings, Inc. will again sponsor NASCAR veteran David Starr to compete full time for the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season beginning February 24 in Daytona. David Starr will run the #81 Zachry Toyota Tundra for newly formed Arrington Racing. Arrington Racing is owned by well-known NASCAR engine builder Joey Arrington. Arrington Racing will be under the direction of crew chief, Doug Howe; car chief, Mike Davis; and general manager, Tom Davis. Starr will race with primary sponsorship from longtime supporter San Antonio-based Zachry Holdings, Inc. for 2012 Camping World Truck Series. Other sponsors throughout the seasons include, Build Your Future; Linda Rudd and Steve Hellmuth with Striping Technologies; Jordan Truck Sales; Chasco Constructors; Allegro Marinades; fentonmotors.com; and Aubrey Health Mart Pharmacy.(David Starr/ZHI PR)(2-6-2012)

Crawford set to run Daytona: During a local radio broadcast on Mobile's 95KSJ, Rick Crawford announced that he is set to run the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Crawford, in his role as promoter for Mobile International Speedway, has been immersed in planning and organizing the upcoming ARCA Mobile 200 [March 10th at MIS], will also don his helmet for the upcoming NextEra Energy Resources 250 scheduled for Friday, February 24, 2012 at Daytona International Speedway. [Hearing that Crawford will be driving the #73 Chevrolet for Tagsby Racing.](Nancy/Jayski)(2-4-2012)

Bodine to Red Horse Racing: UPDATE 3 Daytona sponsor announced: Posted on Twitter by Toyota Racing: "Check out @Team_Onion, new driver of the @RedHorseRacing #11 Toyota Tundra."(@ToyotaRacing - see recent images)(1-24-2012)UPDATE: @Team_Onion [Todd Bodine] said: "We have a ride but cannot race til we get sponsorship. Sponsorship is needed for us to run."(Twitter Team_Onion)(1-24-2012)UPDATE 2: Former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Todd Bodine has a sponsor for the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway, and said he is optimistic about finding additional funding for the full, 2012 campaign. "I'm with Red Horse Racing," said Bodine on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio's Tradin' Paint today. "We're going to race together if we can find sponsorship. (Team owner) Tom DeLoach has made the commitment to me and I've made the commitment to him. That's what we're going to do. As we have been for the last two months, we're seeking sponsorship. We're making some gains, and we have a deal put together for Daytona, so we will be going there to race." Bodine declined to name his Daytona sponsor, but an official announcement is expected from the team later this week.(Sirius-Speedway.com)(1-31-2012)UPDATE 3: Todd Bodine announced today on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and also via twitter that Good Sam RV Club will sponsor the #11 Red Horse Racing Toyota at Daytona. Good Sam is a sister company to Camping World that provides roadside assistance to recreational vehicles, automobiles, SUVs and motorcycles (Todd Bodine/SiriusXM NASCAR)(2-3-2012)

Berry joins SS Green Light as crew chief for Chastain: SS Green Light Racing is pleased to announce that Bryan Berry has joined the team as the crew chief for the #08 Toyota Tundra driven by Rookie of the Year candidate Ross Chastain for the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. The longtime crew chief for Brendan Gaughan in both the NCWTS and the NASCAR Nationwide Series joins the SS Green Light Racing team that has 270 consecutive starts in the truck series. Also joining the team, as truck chief is Joel Martino, who has worked together with Berry for the last two seasons. Sponsorship for Ross Chastain and the SS Green Light Racing #08 team will be released in the coming weeks before the season opener at Daytona. There are opportunities available at selected races for additional marketing partners for the NCWTS Rookie of the Year candidate. The SS Green Light team also has seat's available for funded drivers in it's #07 truck for the 2012 NCWTS season.(SS Green Light Racing PR)(2-3-2012)

AM FM-Energy.com on board with JDM for 2012:Joe Denette Motorsports has announced that AM FM-Energy.com, the best in alternative energy solutions, will continue its support of the sophomore team as an active player in their 2012 sponsorship line-up. The Virginia-based company will be an associate sponsor for Ron Hornaday on the #9 Chevrolet and Max Gresham on the #24 Chevrolet. AM FM-Energy.com, based in Amherst, VA, is celebrating its seventh year in business as a leader in alternative energy solutions. The company specializes in multi-fuel stoves, wood stoves and pellet stoves. They are also a notable distributor of thehigh quality Timber Ridge line of wood and pellet stoves from England Stove Works.(Joe Denette Motorsports PR)(2-3-2012)

Henderson Motorsports plans limited schedule in 2012: The Abingdon, Va. based Henderson Motorsports team plans to compete in a select number of NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series events with Caleb Holman behind the wheel and Food Country USA as the primary sponsor in 2012. Holman and Henderson Motorsports have competed in the CARS Pro Cup Series full-time since 2007. Holman, who is also an Abingdon native, has been with the Henderson's since 2002 starting out as a rear tire changer with driver Jay Sauter behind the wheel. Throughout the winter months the Henderson's and Holman have worked close with Mike Hillman Racing, purchasing their race trucks from them for this coming season. Henderson Motorsports plans to make their Camping World Truck Series debut with Holman at Martinsville Speedway in March.(TheHotLap.com)(2-2-2012)

Lofton back to desert "buggy" racing again his weekend: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Justin Lofton will climb back into the driver's seat of his #1577 unlimited buggy this weekend in Parker, Arizona for the Best in the Desert Racing Association's 41st running of the BlueWater Parker 425. The last time he raced his Class 1500 entry in December, he dominated the field after scoring the top qualifying spot and the TransWest Ford Henderson 250 event win. Lofton crossed the finish line with over a 13-minute lead over the rest of the competition. The BlueWater Parker 425 is the first of six BITD off-road events Lofton has scheduled through the 2012 season in addition to the full NCWTS schedule. Following this weekend's run, Lofton will shift his focus to his #6 College Complete Chevrolet Silverado for the season-opening NCWTS race at Daytona International Speedway on February 24th.(Justin Lofton Racing PR)(2-1-2012)